“Mathematical Olympiad” is basically a talent search programme for the pre-university students. The main purpose of the programme is to encourage students to develop their mathematical ability. Through this programme a nationwide search is made every year to spot talented students in the field of Mathematics.

In
India, this programme is a major initiative undertaken by the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM). On behalf of NBHM this programme is organized every year by Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Mumbai. HBCSE has been organizing this programme since 1988. This progorame is the earliest programme from amongst other similar programmes organized now for difference science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astrophysics. INMO programme is the only programme which leads to participation of Indian students at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) which was started way back in 1959 and is held in different countries every year (In India it was held in 1996). There are more than 100 participating countries. Indian performance has always been satisfactory.

Organization, conduction and training

For the selection of the talented students the tests are held throughout the country on a single day with a single paper. The questions asked are really challenging and they measure the students capacity for original critical thinking.

For holding and selecting the most talented the country has been divided in 23 regions in addition to three groups (CBSE, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan and Navodaya Vidyalaya Sangathan). Each region is assigned a regional coordinator who organizes the tests for I and II stages.

Scholarships: INMO awardees who successfully complete IMOTC and who chose Mathematics one of the subjects in their UG studies are eligible for NBHM scholarship of Rs. 4000/- PM (likely to be increased) throughout their UG studies. If they continue further Master’s degree an enhanced scholarship is awarded to them.

In addition to above there is a Nature programme for those who do not continue their studies directly to Mathematics. The details are available with NBHM.

Programme in Rajasthan

In Rajasthan INMO programme is being run successfully since its inception in the country. A good number of students from all over Rajasthan take part in this RMO. IN Rajasthan this RMO is held at about 8 to 10 centres situated at district headquarters. About 15 students are selected from amongst nearly 1000 students for INMO which is held at Jaipur only.